New Mexico Health Connections (NMHC) is a different kind of health insurance company. We’re a non-profit, doctor-led, consumer operated and oriented (Co-Op) health insurance company built by New Mexicans, for New Mexicans. We offer affordable health insurance plans both on and off the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange to people who make too much to qualify for Medicaid.

Is this the Health Insurance Exchange, or something different?

Sometimes people get us confused. NMHC is a health insurer that is offering health plans on the Exchange as part of the Affordable Care Act. We are a member-focused health plan you can buy through the Exchange (www.healthcare.gov/www.bewellnm.com). If you buy your health insurance on the Exchange, you may be eligible for a subsidy to help pay for it. You can also sign up with us directly at mynmhc.org.

Why do I need health insurance?

Having health insurance can help protect your health and your financial well-being. Even if you are young and very healthy, accidents can happen. Without health insurance, paying for a hospital stay or emergency room visit could cost you thousands. By having health insurance, you protect yourself and your family from the full cost of health care.

What are benefits of buying an NMHC health plan?

NMHC plans are designed with members in mind and are focused on keeping you healthy. For example, NMHC offers $0 copays for the generic version of medicines to treat nine chronic conditions. We also cover the first three behavioral health visits with a $0 copay. You can find out more by going to mynmhc.org.

What does it mean to be a non-profit health plan, and why should I care?

Being a non-profit health plan is part of what makes NMHC different from traditional insurance companies, and those differences benefit New Mexicans. NMHC is mission driven rather than profit driven. Any profits NMHC makes must be reinvested in either lower costs for members or more benefits. And, because NMHC has no large administrative staff or corporate brick and mortar facilities, NMHC’s priority can be reinvesting in better health care coverage for members.

How does a Co-Op health plan operate differently from traditional health insurance companies?

Co-Op stands for Consumer Operated and Oriented Health Plan. Our members will have a say in how NMHC is run— advising on benefit design, premium structure, and provider network. Most important, by 2015 the Board of Directors will be primarily elected from members. That means that NMHC is truly owned and operated by the people who buy NMHC health plans, not by corporate administrators.

NMHC is doctor-led. What does that mean?

Another way NMHC is different is that doctors and health care professionals take the lead on health care delivery. Instead of corporate administrators making decisions about your care, NMHC has physicians in charge—physicians who have real world experience in providing care on the frontlines of emergency rooms, primary care clinics and rural communities.

How else is NMHC different?

NMHC is committed to innovation and to redefining health insurance. One way to do this is by building a network of relationships with community health workers, promoters, health advocacy groups and public health organizations that share our commitment to New Mexicans’ good health. Another way we do this is by using the best, most up-to-date technology to operate our systems so that we can be responsive to our members’ needs.

How do I sign up for an NMHC health plan?

You can buy an NMHC plan direct from mynmhc.org. However, if you believe you may be eligible for a subsidy, you need to sign up through the Health Insurance Exchange, where you can select NMHC.

What if I don’t buy insurance by March 31?

If you don’t have insurance by March 31, you will likely have to pay a penalty to the federal government. This year the penalty is $95 or 1 percent of your taxable income, whichever is higher. So if you don’t buy insurance and your income is $40,000, your penalty could be $400.

What if I need advice?

At NMHC, we are all about helping simplify the process of purchasing your health plan. And, good news: There are lots of resources to help you. You can contact an insurance broker who can help answer any complicated questions you might have. A list of brokers is available on our website at mynmhc.com. You can also call us at 1-855-7MY-NMHC (1-855-769-6642).